John Covach”s “The Music of the Beatles” Takes a Close Look at The Band’s Music, Exactly 50 Years After They Hit America!

On Sunday, February 9, 1964, the Beatles performed to a record television audience in America—a night that changed pop-music history in a dramatic way. Fifty years later (to the minute) Coursera will launch a six-week course devoted to the Fab Four, set to begin at 8 pm on Sunday, February 9, 2014. Taught by the University of Rochester’s John Covach, The Music of the Beatles will focus on the band’s music, tracing the stylistic development of the Beatles from the earliest days in Liverpool, through their success in the UK, to their US and world success in 1964 and after. From “Please Please Me” to “Abbey Road”, John will lead students through the career of the band many consider to be the most important in rock history.

John’s History of Rock courses on Coursera have received rave reviews since the first one was launched in May 2013. Also an active gigging musician with 35 years experience, his college textbook, What’s That Sound? An Introduction to Rock and Its History, is the leading book on this topic in the world. John is the author of dozens of articles, editor of several books, and recipient of numerous teaching awards from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Rochester. Asked how it worked out that a rock guitarist ended up being one of the world’s top academic authorities in popular music, especially after one prestigious music school told him they would never admit someone like him, John responds “I guess I was just too stubborn to go away.”

Join John Covach as he brings his experience and expertise to bear on the music of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. A splendid time is guaranteed for all!